For this live tech talk we discuss the basics of exhaust dynamics for your motorcycle. We also touch on how modifications may affect your factory warranty and tuning.
Kevin aside from excellent topic you have the talent to communicate to all levels of customer knowledge and keeping all interested. Love your videos ... thank you
Captain, and Coke in the red plastic cup, TRUE? If so, that was a fave of mine some years ago! That, and Bacardi Black Label Dark Rum, and Coke. Very informative topics, with clear, detailed explanations of repair procedures, tech tips, and specialty tools, if needed. Your explanations are very straightforward, and easy to visualize. Thank you for sharing your professional expertise with the public. I recommend your videos to those seeking tech advice, and information, You ROCK, Kevin! Aloha, from Honolulu, Hi!🤙
Kevin,you are way cool,taking the time to do all these videos(if thats what they call them now)i have built a few chess and fords 4s,6s, and 8cylinders and worked on a few British and HDs so am mechanical minded and understand cams, valve overlap,ignition timing balancing and most things been working on engines since age about 12 am 52 now and have learnt more about Harleys and associated things camplates,cranks and even exhausts and tires from watching your videos than I have learnt in the last 30 years,the way you explain things and visual demos is great,not boring for experienced people and not to hi-tech for novice,,,I don't think you could do it any better,you are an expert helping all,,thank-you and cheers,stay well,stay safe,from Auckland,New Zealand
welcome James. Thanks for the comment. Never made it to NZ...been to OZ. NZ is on the bucket list. I heard from someone in OZ that there are not deadly poisonous animals on NZ....is that correct?
Great video Kevin. I went through four exhaust systems on my build before settling on the RB LSR "B" slash cut (not the pro pipe) on my 2002 fxstb 95ci with some goodies. Looks and feels great on the butt dyno. Now, as much as I do love the sound, it does veer away from that traditional Harley sound a bit.
great info. i ended up installed S&S 2 into one the super street and had it dyno'd with my stage 2. performs very well. the explanation of reversion was very goood.
That's exactly what I am getting. I had enough of the loud V&H proPipe, it was ok in stage 1 but stage 2 made it way too loud, even with quiet baffle >D
Tons of great information in this video. The best I have seen so from any other source on You Tube. I purchased my first Harley last June. It is an 2021 Tri Glide Ultra and I have been trying to evaluate the pros and cons of Stage 1 & 2 upgrade. ( Is it worth the cost). The trikes are heavy and a bit more low end torque would be help. I like the sound of the Rinehart and V&H. The information on the warranty issues was informative.
Thanx I'm about half way there. What truly surprised me was I took some old Harley pipes cut them up weld them up all 1 3/4 right to the muffler Wich was a factory sporty muffler 1 gutted put in a 2 1/2 in baffle from a car muffler it's got the twisted livered type holes from end of the muffler is antireversion chamber type the baffle has a layer of steel wool and on the outer wrap of muffler wrap the baffle is suspended in the middle Wich also allows exhaust to pass over both sides of the baffle.l also drilled in line with the louvers a 1/4 in holebehind each louver. Blew me away the difference and it was all 1 3/4 to the muffler. The top after 4500 rpms suffered for sure. But up to that point it spooled up quick couldn't believe it. Thus my trial continues the heads were done by JPRacing heads out of Quebec Canada SE 536 cams considered hot street SE 10.50.1 er something like that piston SE rocker arms and I believe high volume lifters or that sort. While I have the limiter set for 6500 and it loves to hang out from 3500 ROMs up on the track may not corner worth a shit but sure is fun
Love all your videos. I built this motor myself and it rides like a beast but I just feel something isn't right. Starts great and beats my friends vmax at any speed. Put about 3000miles since I made it. Might have to get you to build me a motor if I cant figure it out.
Great info. Kevin is a rare breed who relates a deep and broad understanding in plain language. But now I'm worried. My brand new, bog stock Lowrider S is consistently returning 50+ MPG (4.5-4.7 L/100km) at legal speeds. I love that economy but will the heads get so hot that the expansion differential between head and valve seat material results in loose seats? My hope is the oil cooling takes care of it but I might invest in a CHT gauge as a precaution. In 35 years of Harleys this is my first new one. I want it to have a long, trouble free life and see me out.
Hi Kevin, great work on your behalf. As you know I'm a Victory rider in Australia and I was very disappointed with Polaris' response when my transmission disintegrated. They initially denied warranty due to modifications (PCV, VMDR Cams, Timing Wheel, Torque Tube Intake) It took me 9 months (!!!) going back and forth to get it fixed under warranty. The newly rebuilt engine only lasted 10,000 kms as it spun a crank bearing (repaired crank). Polaris in the final minute supplied a new engine with 1 year warranty with no modifications allowed. I loved the power of the cams, it made a hell of a ride, but decided to keep it stock. To maximize efficiency on a v-twin is it true that only a 2-1 system is the best way to go due to the scavenging effect? Thanks for your response in advance.
Manufacturers are voiding warranties for not being in EPA compliance now, if you bring your M8 into the dealer for a warranty repair, when they plug it in to the tech tool it checks to see if the ecm has been flashed with anything other than the Harley tech tool or the pro street tuner, if it has, it flags your power train warranty. I flashed my bike to stock once when it was under warranty before they plugged in to turn on my oil cooler fan, they said sometimes it works, but sometimes the scan tool detects it, the tech doesn’t have any control over it. I got lucky. H-D agreed to basically act like EPAs enforcer as part of their settlement with them over the race tuners. That’s why S&S started making 50 and 49 state compliant exhausts.
If youre ever near Rollies in Brisbane, pop in and tell Berto or John I said hello....Morgan and Wacker HD - Malcom Martin is a very good friend. Hell....even know the guys at Heavy Duty and APL Performance. Enjoy my time in OZ a great deal.
The warranty regarding exhaust may very well be due to a lawsuit brought against Harley Davidson by the EPA regarding race tuners and stages advertised as for “off road use only” being done by the dealerships, leaving the bikes as non compliant with EPA regulations. Harley settled the suit for $25 million dollars. I personally have had many mods done by the dealerships over the years with no problems but no longer. In recent years I have been told that they would only install Harley Davidson pipes, air filters or tuners that are EPA compliant and that any other products used would indeed void the warranty. My current 2020 FLHC has the cats in the mufflers so it’s street cannons or nothing. Or I can just wait until the warranty is up and do the upgrades at that time.
Hi, great video Kevin!!I Recently purchased 2022 Indian Chief 111 and to make it louder, have been riding it without the muffler/slip-on…Since there’s no back pressure will this damage the engine, possibly burn the valve? Thank you for your help!!
We bought an '05 Dyna Wide Glide EFI last year which has about 24,000 miles on it now and it already had V&H Bigshots (double barrel) exhaust on it without any baffles. The engine is factory stock as far as I know but I'd like to install some baffles to at least allow the engine to run the way it's supposed to and gain back some of the low and mid range torque if not make it quieter. From what I've seen and read there's not much someone can do to make these pipes much less loud and I've heard for years that they are not very well tuned for good engine performance because the pipes aren't equal length although I really do like the way they sound. Also I'd like to get you're opinion on torque cones, I've read that they do absolutely nothing for performance, not sure if they effect sound any but I've been contemplating getting some, still on the fence about it though. Thanks and thanks for the videos, newly subscribed.
you are correct...get those baffles back in there. will help tremendously. Torque cones work at times, others they dont. Hard to say really. I've used in some builds, and they KILLED the power...like towing an anchor. Others, helped a little. For a smaller engine, they are probably ok. Some go in the head, others in the pipe at the muffler. That can make a difference too. Youre welcome...thanks for the sub!
Awesome video that's very informative 👍 If I get bassani 2into1 and power vision tuner I wonder if my local dealer will void entire warranty or just related parts to the tuner? With this new ftc thing with harley I might take the chance with my low rider st I got last week!!! Should I wait 2years for warranty to be up or go for the power
Great job explaining the various subjects. Put a k&n air filter on 103 heritage. Considering decat to remove felt heat. Then tune to richen fuel and cool motor. Advice?
Enjoy your videos very much, I only wish I had discovered them sooner. Any opinion on torque inserts or lolly pops to control reversion? Are any good or a cheap band aide for a poor muffler or baffle? Thanks again
All good stuff! That Supertrapp Supermegg 2 into 1 exhaust is like the best exhaust I put on my bike! People have to have that loud factor! BAD CHOICE! I need the performance factor! (Supertrapp gives that low end torque.) Hell with the loud thing! That just blows out eardrums! lol At one time I ran Vance and Hines Straight Shots. Never again. SUPERTRAPP made a believer out of me!
Kevin, Love your videos for sure. I have a question regarding M8 engines direct from the factory. Do M8’s come from the factory with the AFR running lean similar to the Twin Cams? I’ve seen a couple of RU-vid videos lately that say that the M8 comes from the factory with an AFR of around 14.5 to 15 which they say where it should be. I think Twin Cams ran around 16 to 17 AFR. Please give me the real info regarding this question. Thanks, Lars.
Kevin, at sometime, can you comment on the Harley warranty, when you install a trailer hitch and trailer wiring, to pull a trailer. Lots of comments on Harley voiding the warranty on your bike. Many dealers have different opinions on this. Some will note it on your bike profile when they see a hitch on the bike. I have a 2019 Ultra with an extended warranty, but have decided to buy a camper trailer.
Kevin, thank you much for sharing your knowledge. I find your videos very helpful! If I may, I'd like to ask somewhat of a specific question about your experience with Thunderheader on M8s. I know you typically stay from commenting on brands, but a general overview may help me make a decision. I have a 2019, 107ci, M8 on which I'd like to improve low-mid torque. I'm planning to install a cam that focuses on low-end torque and wonder how you think this pipe fits my goal.
Cam and pipe has a huge effect on M8. Far more than TC. I have a great cam that would max low end torque. As for the exhaust...I have not personally tuned an M8 with a thunder header so i cant offer an opinion. I have installed amd tuned many with D&D billetcats with great success. If youd like to give me a call on Tuesday, i could get you set up after a few more questions.
I'm new to channel and enjoy very much. I have a 2020 lowrider 107, I'm thinking about putting on vance&hines slash cut slip-ons and if they are to tinny sounding or don't have enough back pressure. This is my first bike I'm 61 and still learning. THX
I wonder if anyone here is old enough to remember the old Alphabet 2 into 1 system. Back in the Panhead and Shovel days they were a bolt on performance improvement. We built a facsimile for my Pan/Shovel. My can has the same duck cut, but it holds a baffle rather than packing. That along with a milder cam (Sifton 112 to Andrews J Grind) made a world of difference in lower RPM pull. You mentioned "cylinder fill." Changing cams made me realize the difference between compression ratio and fill. With the old cam a guy could stand on the kicker and it wouldn't move. With the Andrews it can be pushed without too much effort. I didn't change stroke or bore (same compression ratio), the cylinder fill changed. To be honest, the first time I kicked it through (after the cam change) I thought, crap, she's gonna be a dog. Nope. She gets down the on ramps in a hurry, passing trucks is easier and she pulls out of corners with plenty of umph. BTW, I've been modifying and tweaking on the same machine for 42 years. Though most of what you talk about isn't applicable (cat? I laugh. Map? I used to tape those to the gas tank ;^) I still enjoy and learn a bit from your videos, Kevin. 'Sides, some of my partners ride those new fangled things and it doesn't hurt to be a bit knowledgeable.
A local dealer will alert corporate if you install slip on mufflers. The next dealer up the road will take care of you so long as you bring it into them.
You are such a wealth of knowledge. How do you fit all that in one brain? Amazing. I live next to Winder Airport. I would like to come and meet you some day. I have a 2001 Heritage, twin cam 88-B. Vance and Hines Longshots, no baffles. I installed torque cones and that made a huge difference in power. I was hoping that that the cones would counteract the reversion in the straight pipes. Pretty sure it did. Still curious if a tune is necessary. Hope to see you soon. Just picked up cam chain tensioners. 38,000 mi. Good thing I looked. She needs them. When I get them installed, I will come by and, hopefully, meet you in person. That would really make my day. Enjoy the Captain and coke. I am indulging in Kentucky Bourbon and coke. But, I like them both. Have a great day, brother.
My only question or concern is, how do you actually know if a certain head pipe or a certain set of slip ons is going to give the engine what it needs best? Other than just trying something out, I don't understand.
We only have about one poisonous spider but you never see it very rarely,it only hangd out in old wood and things ,I have never seen one,our big Harleys dealer here is called amps, Auckland motor and power sports , as you may know, I think,a guy called Ray Pratt he's been around a long time,drag raced a few bikes,and owned a few various shops this is probably his flashiest one ,bikes and parts and hot rod cars and parts are vary expensive here ,as harley is anyway,quite a few people going to victory and indian,spose you get expense living at the bottom of the planet so far away from any thing anyway...there are other harley shops down country can't recall what they are called have,t been down there for a while,once covid over will get to do a bit of a tiki tour as they call it...people here are friendly and welcoming ,places like Queenstown are awesome in summer...hope to see you here some time...cheers...
Hey Kevin! Greetings from the ATL Southside! Great video! You mentioned 2-1 vs true duals. Where do the 2-1-2 systems fall? Are they a good compromise between the two? In the automotive world, x-pipes and h-pipes are where is at. Does this carry over into the M8 V-Twin world?
I do 1 on 1 consulting as time allows...as well as visit shops for private classes. What topics are you interested in and what format would work for you for a class?
@@KevinBaxter I was having problem getting to the page to sign up as a channel member. The Saturday live calls, and etc. was what I actually meant by that. Since then however you sent me a link and I’m now a channel member. You are still doing like the 25$ informative personal calls yes. I’ll write questions I have down and schedule call if that’s appropriate. Thanks Brian
I have a 16 dyna street bob with SE stage 1 air cleaner and V&H short shots. I like the look and sound of the pipes. I just purchased a power vision tuner and I'm looking in to a cam. I started seeing all the negative reviews on forums about the short shots and the low end power loss. My question is am I shooting myself in the foot by leaving that exhaust on and putting in a cam or is the power loss from the exhaust fairly minor? The forums make it seem like this is the worst exhaust you can put on a bike and I need to change it before even considering a cam upgrade.
So much of these bikes has to do with our personal satisfaction of the look and sound of them. Unless you are seeking absolute max power output, I wouldnt be too concerned. You can offset the pipes by choosing a cam that maximizes low end. Early intake close, short duration, lower exhaust lifts, will all help. We have a couple grinds that would suit this well. If youd like to call the shop tomorrow, we could help you choose and get one coming to you.
@@KevinBaxter thank you for the quick response! I've been following your videos on here and they are incredibly informative and easy to comprehend. Thank you for the time and effort put in to these. I am deployed right now but will absolutely give the shop a call once I get a chance. Any advice is always appreciated!
Hi Kevin, i realize this was done 3 yrs ago, but in 2020-2021 are you still seeing stock M8 valve issues? Im scheduled for my 122 SE kit next week, and wondering if the SE ported heads are worth buying as an add on in lieu of keeping the stockers or are they sketchy too? Should I keep my stock heads and send them out to a reputable shop for valve service and porting ? Thanks
I have a 2020 road glide special, I just ordered V&H pipes and tab zombie slip ons .. I just liked the sound ! I am not after #s .. Hp or touqe , I like the bike the way it is but like it load . Is this kinda still achievable whit this set up ?
I agree with slip ons not voiding the warranty. But I've been told by many different people that if you change the header, and air cleaner you will need a tune, and when you install an NON-HD tune that will void the warranty. Tuner is a Power Vision. Is that not true?
I ride a 2010 Electra Glide solo 70 percent of the time. I'm looking at cams, Rinehart true duals exhaust, tuner, and air cleaner next year. What's your take for a good set of cams for this bike? I'm a big guy and ride between 2000-3500 rpm consistently
Watching this over two years later and realizing that H-D moved the catalytic convertor to inside the slip on mufflers on the 2021 softail street bob.....oh my...
Where is the catalitic converter in an 18 heritage 114? .in the head pipe or the muffler ? It is just starting to cool off in LosAngeles in the evening 80's in the daytime , it was really hot this year out here ! And with all the fires its been smokey . My sister is in Murietta, geo
Thanks for the tip on reversion , I have the CFR exhaust stage 4 with a wood performance 777 cams and a Thundermax Tuner and I am getting the reversion so I am switching the Rinehart 4 inch >>
I'm sure everyone knows now that Harley was chastised for voiding warranties if you take it someplace else. also aftermarket parts will not void the warranty for the most part. I don't have the ruling in front of me but go check it out.
Is harleys sound still patented? Because someone had messed around with this Yamaha I just bought and it sounds exactly like a flathead. Or was that an Indian? I hate issues.
What do you think of the thunderheaders slip ons, fuelmoto 2-1-2 head pipe? 2009 roadking 96 incher looking to go 103 eventually. Thanks for any advice. Maybe low to mid torque cam.
I prefer to speak about specific recommendations over the phone. Too many variables without answered questions. Feel free to call the shop. When I have a few mins away from work, I'll give you a call back. 6782269651.
Hi Kevin great vid you putout A+, I have a 2019 Road glide with 2:1 and works great. The wife just purchased a 2019 Road king 114ci and she would like to go with slip-ons and in the near future add cam and tuner. Could you please suggest a good slip-on for her project. Have a great Hollidays….
Thanks Al. That's a pretty broad question really. There are several choices. Maybe give me a call at the shop when we get back. We chat about the bike, your goals, and I can get a set out to ya.
Thank you for your insight to understanding our rights, and responsibilities to owning a Harley! So I have a question with regards to exhaust and tuning. So I have a 2019 FXDR 114 with not mods engine wise, but I'm getting a Freedom Performance Combat Shorty 2 to 1 exhaust, maintaining the stock High Flow Intake. Now do i need to tune the bike, and if so am I responsible to providing the tuner or should the dealers mechanics be able to properly tune bike at the shop? I just don't know which to get, and regardless I can't get the Screamin Eagle Pro Street to my location on Guam, USA if I don't want to void my warranty with using unauthorized tunning device on my Harley. I really would appreciate your opinion and or guidance so I may properly negotiate the install prepared . Thanks,
I cant speak for the tuners you have in your area....as to their skill level. But fact remains...the best tune will come from an aftermarket tuning device...but it will void your warranty.
@@KevinBaxter Thanks for the advise. Let's just say I know the Top Tech for Harley and it's like family here..LOL! So he had mentioned to me "DynoJet" tuners, is something he likes and recommends. Do you agree.
Can short big radius true dual drag pipes with no baffles on a woods 555 camed 07 96ci twin cam cause front cylinder to run hotter than rear cyl and also cause excessive blowby with excessive oil misting? I have power vision basic and have done many autotune rides.
You guys so I extended warranties? Yeah I plan on running low miles up on this bike I bought it new and you know the market now. Going to have to call I’m from Pittsburgh PA but I’m I come down through Asheville a lot. I will email you
If I install a wood performance cam upgrade 222 would this effect my warranty on a 2012 street glide flhx Warranty was included in purchase at 12,000 miles I’ve roughly put 5500 on the bike since June 2023. Thanks.
Kevin, you gave a lot of great information on exhaust. I was thinking of changing my slip-ons and you made me change my mind from the one I was going to get (one you displayed) and what to look for in a better muffler. I have a 2005 Electra Glide, any recommendations for a low rumble not breaking the bank exhaust? I have had the bike 1.5 years, has a K&N filter on stock housing, stock exhaust, and a Power Commander 3, which am learning about. I am a big guy, looking for better sound and a little more pick up to keep up with my friends on their 2017+ bikes
You'll get as many opinions on which brand as there are options. Quiet tends to make more power in the low end. I have a slip on I designed that is nice and quiet, deep tone, and makes great low end torque. They are chrome stainless steel, inside and out, and weigh 1/3 what most others do. I have them custom made in Italy and shipped over...but they aren't cheap. Moderately priced at $850-900 a set depending on application.
Kevin Baxter Any feedback on dual plugging my Harley and bumping up the compression. Tom Epperson. (Old Honda and BMW dealer). Also some feedback on taking some pounds off my ROADGLIDE. Like my Harley and would like to keep riding it! 80 years old.
I have a new HD tri Glide two weeks old 5.13.2021 and I ask the dealer about running Amsoil in my trike after the 1000 check up. He said that he would wait until the two year warentee was out before running Amsiol as the manufacturer might void the warentee.
Hey Kevin new here I am going with the redshift 468 cam, power vision tuner the s&s cam plate and oil pump. I have neighborhater slip on with the stock header pipe and planning to stay with that setup. Any advice on this setup.
